Description

Book Synopsis

''A strikingly taut and intense first novel'' London Review of Books

Growing up in an isolated cottage in the hills of Cumberland, Tom knows the bitter cold of shooting expeditions with his grandfather and long evenings spent with his father and mother. But taken away from the hills to live in the small town of Thornton, Tom experiences a tumult of conflicting emotions, which he must master before he can come to terms with his identity.

''Fine, tense writing derived not from books but from passionate observation of particular landscapes and people'' Spectator



Trade Review
A strikingly taut and intense first novel * London Review of Books *
The impression is one of striking individuality - the sort of originality an author achieves when he has really meditated hard about his characters, loved them, watched them, and let them grow * Sunday Telegraph *
A vivid and totally original imagination . . . tableau after tableau is spotlit into brilliant life * Scotsman *
Fine, tense writing derived not from books but from passionate observation of particular landscapes and people * Spectator *

For Want of a Nail

    Product form

    £10.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 7 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Melvyn Bragg

    5 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of For Want of a Nail by Melvyn Bragg

      Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 04/07/1991
      ISBN13: 9780340431016, 978-0340431016
      ISBN10: 0340431016

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      ''A strikingly taut and intense first novel'' London Review of Books

      Growing up in an isolated cottage in the hills of Cumberland, Tom knows the bitter cold of shooting expeditions with his grandfather and long evenings spent with his father and mother. But taken away from the hills to live in the small town of Thornton, Tom experiences a tumult of conflicting emotions, which he must master before he can come to terms with his identity.

      ''Fine, tense writing derived not from books but from passionate observation of particular landscapes and people'' Spectator



      Trade Review
      A strikingly taut and intense first novel * London Review of Books *
      The impression is one of striking individuality - the sort of originality an author achieves when he has really meditated hard about his characters, loved them, watched them, and let them grow * Sunday Telegraph *
      A vivid and totally original imagination . . . tableau after tableau is spotlit into brilliant life * Scotsman *
      Fine, tense writing derived not from books but from passionate observation of particular landscapes and people * Spectator *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account